Match Report – 4th October, New Mills Juniors U8s Vipers vs Didsbury FC U8s

Storm Amy thankfully didn’t play havoc with our 9am game at the power league this week with the Vipers up against Didsbury, who we played several times last season.  These were always closely fought games and today’s game was no exception.  

For the first time this season we had the full squad of 9 with everyone fully fit and ready to play.  Our opponents only had 5 though so we would play 5 instead of our usual 6 the team are used to.  We would have two outfield teams toplay half the game each.  

Lily would take the armband this week starting forward with Jude.  Logan and Elliott would start at the back with Leo, Kit, Thomas and Alistair ready to play together as game changers.  

The game started with both teams keen to make passes and move the ball around.  Some nice passing from Logan, Elliott and Jude setup the first chance for Elliott to shoot.  These passing moves continued and it was captain Lily who opened the scoring.  A super counter attack led by Kingsley claiming the corner and releasing Elliott for a great run down the left, a good cross shot which the keeper palmed into Lily’s path to fire home.  

Another great bit of football created the second with Logan running down the right to cross into Elliott to tap home.  Before subs were made though Kingsley showcased his shot-shopping and great handling, catching a few deflected shots.  

Logan was relentless in defence and Jude was linking the play well and pressing the ball too.  Lily was full of energy further forward with lots of pressure on the ball, great tackling as ever but always trying to play the ball to her teammates.  Our game-changers continued in the same spirit with Kit and Leo at the back covering well for each other, read the game well and trying to support attacks.

Thomas and Alistair doing well to press, pass and dribble forward.  Thomas not only caused problems upfront for Didsbury, he tracked back well to help his team.  Alistair also tried to create for his teammates but also tackled diligently. Some great passing from kick-ins showed the team moving the ball from one side of the pitch to the other with quick passing to maximise the space.  

Half time came and the emphasis was to keep moving the ball and working hard for each other.  

The second half had Jude take the gloves and Kingsley step into his position alongside Lily for the start of the half.  

During the second half the team continued to try and move the ball with their passing, but Didsbury came out to put pressure on.  Logan was tested but stood up to the challenge.  Jude did too, showing that not only Kingsley can make super saves but he can too.  

Keeping out a dangerous free-kick and blocking the rebound which hit the post thanks to his save.  Kingsley slotted into the team seamlessly, with some good tackling and a rocket of a shot from distance that flew high into the net.  

Elliott was a constant menace down the left side with Lily continuing the great work from the first half and leading by example.  After switching the team with the game-changers, the energy of the team never wavered.   Thomas was full of running and unlucky not to add to his tally with a shot he didn’t quite catch.  Leo showcased his footwork, dribbling past two defenders and slotting it towards the far corner but the keeper got down well to keep out his effort and block Kit’s rebound.  

Alistair was also a terror dribbling with the ball and forcing the keeper into saves.  

Kit was at his industrious best, dribbling forward with the ball but if attacks broke down, he got his head down and motored back to help his team.  

Despite the wind and only light rain, (thankfully), the Vipers continued to the final whistle pushing hard every step of the way to do the best for themselves and each other.  

This team is showing the great skills they are practicing in training each week and it’s great to see them grow and develop each week.  No matter the result, they all enjoy their football…and that’s what it’s all about.

⚽️🖤💛⚽️

#upthemillers